Vanuatu is responding to multiple health challenges in the wake of a 7.3 magnitude earthquake

On December 17, 2024, a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, affecting more than a quarter of the country's population. The disaster caused extensive damage to homes, health facilities and other infrastructure, leaving communities in the South Pacific country without sufficient food, water and sanitation. Fourteen people died in the earthquake, and hundreds were injured. Nearly 1,500 people remain displaced, seeking shelter in evacuation centers or with host families.

In the midst of devastation, Vanuatu has shown remarkable resilience. Health facilities in and around Port Vila began operating shortly after the earthquake, ensuring continued access to care. Decentralized outpatient services have eased pressure on the main hospital, Vila Central Hospital, allowing it to focus on the most complex and urgent cases. Vanuatu's health leaders, doctors, nurses and allied health professionals provided life-saving services in the minutes, hours and days after the earthquake, and continue to work to care for those in need. The response is also supported by a network of partners such as the World Health Organization, who have supported assessments of affected health facilities, the coordinated deployment of international emergency medical teams, and the sharing of life-saving information in local languages.

Rapid response paves the way for Vanuatu's recovery

Vanuatu is no stranger to disaster, with a history of earthquakes and tropical cyclones including major storms that caused widespread devastation such as Tropical Cyclone Pam in 2015 and Tropical Cyclone Harold in 2020, as well as back-to-back Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin in 2023. Over the years, the country has developed strong disaster response capabilities and systems, enabling rapid response and rapid transition to recovery from such events.

The recent earthquake posed enormous challenges, as damaged facilities and communications blackouts initially hampered needs assessment and response coordination. However, the rapid deployment of satellite technology has quickly resolved many of these problems. The Vanuatu Ministry of Health, with support from WHO and other partners, quickly activated incident management systems and coordinated operations from health emergency operations centers in national, regional and central hospitals. These centers lead and coordinate the health response, guided by the objectives contained in the response and recovery plan.

The earthquake also left psychological scars, with many struggling to deal with loss, uncertainty and fear. Mental health and psychosocial support capacities and clear communication have become crucial in meeting the urgent needs of communities. The Ministry of Health of Vanuatu, with support from the World Health Organization, has formulated public health messages that focus, for example, on access to safe water, injury prevention during aftershocks, and hygiene in evacuation centres, ensuring that communities have timely access to relevant information. appropriate.

Emergency medical teams are at the heart of response efforts

In the first 24 hours, EMTs – highly trained teams made up of doctors, nurses, paramedics and logisticians – were quickly mobilized to provide immediate care including treating injuries, performing surgeries and assisting with baby deliveries. Services were provided at Villa Central Hospital and at external health facilities, ensuring continued provision of critical medical care throughout the region.

Vanuatu's national emergency medical team, the Vanuatu Medical Assistance Team (VanMAT), deployed after the earthquake meets at Vila Central Hospital. © World Health Organization/B. Bushmen

“The aftermath of this earthquake is a stark reminder of how people's health and well-being are severely affected by disasters,” said Ms Sharyn Vail, Senior Disaster Officer at the Ministry of Health, who leads the Vanuatu Emergency Medical Coordination Cell (EMTCC) and the Vanuatu Medical Assistance Team (VanMAT). Vanuatu's emergency medical team: “From treating injuries to restoring vital health services, early response makes a big difference,” which follows international standards set by the World Health Organization to ensure its services meet global best practices 2017, the Vanuatu Ministry of Health and WHO, with financial support from the Governments of Australia and New Zealand, worked together to ensure that VanMAT was ready for deployment, with trained team members, essential equipment and supplies on hand, and detailed SOPs (SOPs). The team is able to respond self-sufficiently to emergencies such as this earthquake, incorporating international support for emergency medical teams when needed.

On the day of the earthquake, the Vanuatu Ministry of Health activated the EMTCC within the National Health Emergency Operations Center (NHEOC), placing national and international emergency medical teams where they were needed most to enable the government to efficiently meet the needs of the population. Specialized international emergency medical teams fill critical gaps, with more than 60 professionals from Australia, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan and New Zealand and teams such as the Pacifica Medical Association Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT). They bring expertise in areas such as surgery, rehabilitation, data management, needs assessment, maternal and mental health services, ensuring critical care and coordination across affected areas.

By strengthening local capacities, supporting vulnerable groups, and strengthening regional partnerships, Vanuatu is turning this crisis into an opportunity to rebuild a more resilient health system. “We stand with our communities, working and recovering together to rebuild Port Vila so that we are more resilient to future disasters,” said Sharyn Vale, highlighting the country’s commitment to long-term recovery and preparedness.

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